Ways to study and evaluate different types of college environments are discussed, and sources of practical information about specific types of colleges are presented. Three main types of approaches used to measure college environments concern student behaviors (amount of time spent studying), student perceptions (the college is highly competitive), and student personal characteristics (academic ability). Examples of objective instruments that have been used to study these areas are cited. Other studies use college catalogs, directories, governmental publications, college budgets, statistical abstracts, and books. Various categories of college environments can be conceptualized using regional criteria, size criteria, and other criteria. Nine types of college environments have been suggested by Pace (1963, 1968, 1971). A map of American college communities that demonstrates clustering in various geographical environments is included. A list of categories of environmental dimensions of colleges is appended. (SW)